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March is Women’s History Month, which commemorates and encourages the observance of the vital role of women in American history – And, in celebration, WTS Philadelphia could think of no better way to virtually observe than with the accomplished women who head up our region’s major transportation agencies, making history in their roles every day.

On Monday, March 15th, we were honored to host a virtual panel event for 268 attendees, featuring Chellie Cameron, CEO, City of Philadelphia, Division of Aviation; Yassmin Gramian, PennDOT Secretary of Transportation; and Leslie Richards, General Manager of SEPTA. It was a dynamic and comprehensive discussion, moderated by our own President-Elect, Api Appulingam, Deputy Director of Aviation, Capital Development, at the City of Philadelphia, Division of Aviation.

The leaders described how they have been navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic, the gamut of difficulties the pandemic has posed for their agencies, the heartbreak of losing treasured staff to the disease, and optimism for the future. The women discussed what motivates and inspires them to keep moving, and along with various iconic women in history, influential family members and role models, Secretary Gramian said, “What motivates us is service to the public.” Advocacy and sponsorship of women, as well as means to ensure a gender equitable recovery were discussed with both Ms. Cameron and Ms. Richards, mentioning flexibility, skills-based hiring and affinity groups. Ms. Richards added that she has committed to hiring or rehiring women with career gaps, including speaking about her own career gap and how she looks for them. Efforts to focus on racial equity were also discussed, both internally for the workforce and externally in communities impacted by our projects. Ms. Cameron answered the question “when there will be enough women in her organization?” with “when a woman has led every department.”

By popular request, books recommended during the event included: Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, Caste by Isabel Wilkerson, and Becoming by Michelle Obama.

Photos from the virtual event are here! To watch the full panel discussion, click here.